Ricardo Calfioli scored the only goal for Old Trafford (Image: Getty)
Arsenal launched their Premier League campaign, winning a fierce victory over Old Fords Manchester United. It wasn’t a performance on the part of Mikel Arteta, who needs to see a significant improvement from the players to end the 22-year wait for the Premier League title.
Despite a volatile start, it was the gunners who first sought after a Titan collision on the first day. Arsenal was literally handed over a helping hand by United goalkeeper Altai Bayindeal. But the hopeful titles are likely to be Brian Mbemo, Matthew Cunya and Patrick Dorgu, all approaching, and ahead of the break.
But winning the title is defence and Arsenal wasn’t at his best at any point in the contest, but he found a way to keep United out. If the ribbon draped to the Premier League title is red and white at the end of the season, they will look back on this as three points of a fierce battle in Manchester. Achieves player reviews from Arsenal’s first game of the season.
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David Raya-8
Looks like the most guaranteed member of the Arsenal Defensive Pack, dropping to deny Cunha with a great save in the first half. David Raya showed Bay Indeal what the commander would look like throughout the second half by controlling the 18-yard box with set pieces. He stripped off another great save to deny Mbeumo and solidified his position as a match-winning player.
Ben White-6
Ben White, who prefers impressive Julien wood in the right backspot, was used to the ball at his feet, but struggled to get the pace in the opposite direction. He took off after knocking off and playing with 20 minutes remaining.
Gabriel-5
Compared to his first half show, which was Gabriel’s high standard, his performances have been significantly better in the second half. Brazil International would have been grateful for the clean sheet at halftime, with United knocking on the door.
William Salliver-6
It was a similar case for William Saliba, Gabriel’s partner in crime. It seemed the two had never played together at the opening 45 minutes point. Saliba grew into the game and was on hand to pull out the vital blocks of the dying embers of the match.
Read more: Former Man City Hooligan chooses England’s “toughest” company, but it’s not a bitter rival
Martin Zubimendi has begun his first Premier League start at Arsenal (Image: Getty)
Riccardo calafiori -7
The Italian was on hand to nod what would likely go down as the closest goal in the Premier League this season scored. Ricardo Carafioli was crucial to the visitor, seeing his presence self with the ball at his feet when he had the best possession spell in the first half. He ran out of gas in the second half and seemed to have been replaced at the same time as White.
Declan Rice-7
Arsenal’s midfield beating heart and comfort their best outfield players. Declan Rice has caused so many problems with Bay Indeal and was a constant threat from the delivery of set pieces throughout the contest. We approached with a free kick in ten minutes, which would have lap three points.
Martin Zubimendi -4
It was Martin Zubimendi’s fast-paced start in the Premier League and could be on a yellow card within the first 10 minutes on another day. Zubimendi seemed to set the tempo for the Spanish midfielder as he struggled to adapt to United’s intense, offensive play. Mikel Merino was needed by his side to stabilize the ship.
Martin Odegaard -6
I saw a lot of balls, especially when Arsenal had the brightest spell in the game, but it was sometimes rusty in the last third. Martin Odegaard has not found himself on the same page that he signs Viktor Gyoker in the summer.
Bukayosaka-6
The most meaningful contribution of Bukayosaka came in the time that was added when the British were rejected by the Tackle of Matigis de Liguto in the final groove. Otherwise, it would be unlikely that Saka would look back on this match with too much affection.
Viktor Gyoker- 5
Although he struggled with the physicality of United centre-backs from time to time, Viktor Gyoker certainly gave him as good as he got. He approached what would have been a fun assist midway through the first half, but his teammate Gabriel Martinelli made a mistake in his acrobatic efforts. Perhaps Gyoker, who unfairly jealed the pitch of United fans and linked to Old Trafford Switch early in the summer. At the very least, they’ll have the opportunity to look into his qualifications further when they line up in Arsenal’s Champions League later this season.
Gabriel Martinelli-5
A very quiet and somewhat unwilling outing is the under-pressure Arsenal winger. Given that Gabriel Martinelli sometimes appears isolated on the left side, and Arsenal is linked to yet another forward addition before the window closes, Brazil International will need to raise his game if he wants to stay in Starting XI.
Read more: Former Man City Hooligan chooses England’s “toughest” company, but it’s not a bitter rival
Viktor Gyoker had all his eyes on him during Sunday’s match (Image: Getty)
Alternatives:
Kai Havertz -6
It looked much more physical when the tip of Arsenal’s offense replaced Gyoker.
Noni Maduke -6
If it wasn’t Bruno Fernandez’s intercept, it would have been a tap-in that debuted on the final kick of the game.
Julien wood – 7
It was steady when Arsenal’s backline came out of the bench and helped him see the results on the line. The wood probably fantasized itself from today’s off, but was forced to monitor most of the game. He responded immediately when he came out of the bench.
Miles Lewis Skelly-6
That was a similar case for Miles Lewis Skelly, where the energy on the left helped to stunt the threat of Amado and Dorgu.
Mikel Merino-6
It helped Arsenal get a lot of midfield up.
